How much power should I buy?

[BayAreaPhotog]

I am thinking of buying the Alien Bees Monolights. I primarily want to do glamour or boudoir and some portraits. Usually a single person and very rarely a large group. My question is would it be better to buy the more powerful 640 watts per second or the lower wattage lights? I am thinking that I can always use the more powerful unit at less power or diffuse more if needed but I can't add power if I don't have it with the smaller units. Any thoughts? Anybody wish they had bought more power originally?

[PhotosGuy]

I am thinking that I can always use the more powerful unit at less power...

I agree. If it's not a question of $s, then you just can't have too much power available to use.
On the other hand, if you buy 2 & one of them quits at the wrong time... maybe 3 of the smaller ones would be better?

(I'm SO glad I could help you out!) :wink:

[Vegas Poboy]

Bay area, I just went thru the same thing your going thru & decided to get two 800's and grow from there. I spoke with many pro's @ my school before deciding and then I spoke with a couple of students that purchased some Alienbees also. I wanted to do simple portraits & also if needed be small group shots also. I also don't like using a lot of light so I'm purchasing reflectors to use as fill. My interest is mostly low key lighting.
The next purchase most likely will be a 400 and then the 1600.